Ronald entered the war in France on 16th October 1914 with No 13 General Hospital. He was serving with the 141st Field Ambulance when, on 16th January 1917, he was admitted to hospital 'sick' and evacuated to the Divisional Rest Station. He was evacuated from the Divisional Rest Station to a Casualty Clearing Station on 20th January 1917, and was struck off the strength of the unit.